“The Smalbanac is a delightful, informative and reasonably priced guide to history, culture, cuisine and shopping in Albany, Schenectady and Troy … Whether you like to travel, dine out or learn local history, this is an exceptional book, worth reading and keeping on hand for when someone laments, ‘I’m so bored.’” — Schenectady Daily Gazette

“An eclectic and affectionate look at the quirks of our region and its many hidden treasures.” — Albany Times Union

“Is there anything to do here?” In The Smalbanac, Christine Garretson-Persans answers a resounding “Yes!” From food, shopping, and the arts to people, history, and places to go, The Smalbanac offers a wry, affectionate, and practical survival guide to New York’s Capital Region, perfect not only for visitors, new students, and those relocating to the area, but also for long-term residents who want to get out of their “comfort zones” and explore the many hidden (and some not-so-hidden) treasures the area has to offer.

Christine Garretson-Persans is a local writer and artist. She originally published The Smalbanac as a series of pamphlets, and this book collects those previous “issues,” together with new material, into one volume. She lives in Watervliet, New York.